The 79th EE British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) unfolded in grand style on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at London’s storied Royal Festival Hall, capturing the attention of film fans across the globe. The night was marked not just by its celebration of cinematic excellence, but also by moments of raw humanity, bold hosting choices, and a few surprises that set social media abuzz.
For the first time, Scottish actor Alan Cumming took the helm as host, stepping into the shoes of David Tennant, who had charmed audiences for the previous two years. According to BBC and Daily Mail coverage, Cumming’s appointment was met with excitement from many fans. Social media lit up with affirmations like, “love that man,” and “BAFTA realised the power of having a Scottish host.” One attendee even shared a personal anecdote about meeting Cumming in New York, describing him as “a very nice man.”
Yet, not all feedback was glowing. As reported by Daily Record, Cumming’s opening monologue drew criticism from some quarters for being “painfully unfunny” and for including a pointed political dig at the United States. Still, the atmosphere in the hall was largely one of anticipation and celebration, with Cumming himself addressing the audience with characteristic candor and warmth.
The ceremony itself was a star-studded affair, with a who’s-who of Hollywood and British cinema in attendance. Cillian Murphy, Aimee Lou Wood, Gillian Anderson, and Bryan Cranston were among those presenting the coveted golden masks. The event also featured musical performances from Jessie Ware and the KPop Demon Hunters vocalists, adding an extra splash of glamour to the proceedings.
One of the night’s most talked-about moments came when John Davidson, the subject of the nominated film I Swear, let out involuntary shouts from the audience—an occurrence stemming from his Tourette Syndrome. As Daily Mail reported, Cumming paused to address the situation with empathy, telling the audience: “You may have heard some strong offensive language tonight, but if you’ve seen the film I Swear, it’s about the experience of a person with Tourette’s syndrome. It is a disability and the ticks you have heard tonight are involuntary—that means the person who has Tourette’s syndrome has no control over their language and we apologise if it has caused offence.” His words were met with understanding and applause, highlighting the BAFTAs’ ongoing efforts to raise awareness about disabilities and foster inclusivity.
I Swear—nominated for Outstanding British Film—stars Robert Aramayo as John Davidson, a campaigner who was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome at a time when little was known about the condition. Davidson, now 54, has devoted decades to advocacy and was awarded an MBE for his efforts. In a candid recollection, Davidson described receiving his MBE as the “proudest” moment of his life, even though his tics led to some memorable outbursts during the ceremony at Holyrood Palace. “I had a compulsion to tell police officers at Holyrood Palace that I had ‘a bomb!’ as they checked my vehicle, and I also shouted ‘I’m a paedo!’ as I walked down the corridor,” he shared, underscoring the daily realities and misunderstandings faced by those living with Tourette’s.
The competition for top honors was fierce this year. Paul Thomas Anderson’s thriller One Battle After Another led the pack with 14 nominations, while Ryan Coogler’s vampire horror Sinners followed closely with 13. Hamnet and Marty Supreme also emerged as strong contenders, each securing 11 nominations. Jessie Buckley (Hamnet) was widely tipped for Best Actress, while Timothée Chalamet (Marty Supreme) was a frontrunner for Best Actor.
Among the night’s notable winners, Wunmi Mosaku took home Best Supporting Actress for her role in Sinners. In her acceptance speech, Mosaku, who is expecting her second child, thanked her family and reflected on her journey: “My mother beamed her love at me to give me the freedom to make my choices.” She also spoke about connecting with a part of herself “dimmed as an immigrant trying to fit in,” a sentiment that resonated with many. The role of Hoodoo priestess Annie in Sinners was written especially for Mosaku by director Ryan Coogler, and her performance was widely praised.
Sean Penn clinched the Best Supporting Actor award for One Battle After Another, triumphing over a strong field that included Peter Mullan (I Swear), Paul Mescal (Hamnet), and Stellan Skarsgård (Sentimental Value). Penn was not present to accept the honor, prompting presenter Gillian Anderson to joke, “I’m going to take it.”
The awards for Best Children’s & Family Film and Best Production Design went to Boong, an Indian Manipuri-language coming-of-age drama, and Frankenstein respectively. Frankenstein also picked up Best Makeup and Hair, with Jacob Elordi starring as the iconic monster. Monica Bellucci presented Best Documentary to Mr Nobody Against Putin, while This Is Endometriosis claimed Best British Short Film. Two Black Boys in Paradise received the Best British Short Animation award, and the Outstanding Debut from a British Writer, Director or Producer went to Akinola Davies Jr. and Wale Davies for My Father’s Shadow. The first trophy of the evening, for Special Visual Effects, was awarded to Avatar: Fire and Ash.
In addition to the competitive categories, the BAFTAs recognized industry leaders for their contributions. Dame Donna Langley, chairman of NBCUniversal Entertainment, received the prestigious Fellowship Award, while Clare Binns of Picturehouse Cinemas was honored for her impact on British cinema with the Outstanding Contribution award.
Alan Cumming’s own career was in the spotlight throughout the evening. Known for his work on The Traitors US—the American version of the BBC hit filmed in the Scottish Highlands—Cumming has a storied filmography, with roles in GoldenEye, Emma, Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion, Spice World, Eyes Wide Shut, and the Spy Kids trilogy. He’s a fan favorite for his portrayal of Nightcrawler in X-Men 2, and fans were delighted by the news that he’ll reprise the role in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday later this year. Reflecting on his return, Cumming told People: “It was actually really great to go back. I’m 60 years old. I did not think I would be doing stunts, playing a superhero in my 60s. So that was great.”
Offstage, Cumming’s personal life has also drawn interest. He is married to artist and illustrator Grant Shaffer; the couple first wed in London in 2007 and remarried in 2012 after the U.S. Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage. “We respect each other, and we were a bit older when we met, so you know yourself more and are more respectful,” Cumming shared with Closer magazine.
Despite a few hiccups and debates over humor, the 2026 BAFTAs were a resounding celebration of cinema’s power to entertain, challenge, and connect. The ceremony’s blend of glitz, candid moments, and heartfelt advocacy left an indelible mark on all who tuned in or attended in person.